Wilmington University, Harford college announce transfer deal

WILMINGTON — Wilmington University, well-known for serving non-traditional students, has announced a new partnership with Harford Community College, which will allow students to turn their associate degrees into a bachelor degree almost seamlessly.

Students from Harford Community College in Bel Air, Md. will be able to transfer at least 60 credits earned when they complete their associate degrees to bachelor’s at Wilm U in a similar academic field. In some instances, the college may be able to accept up to 80 credits, though that could be on a case-by-case basis.

The college has similar partnerships with more than 15 community colleges in the region, though Harford Community College may be its furthest Wilm U has extended its reach into Maryland.

“Most community college students are working professionals, just like Wilm U. We have a similar mission to help those students continue their education in an affordable way at an institution that offers the courses of studies they want,” said Lindsay Rice, the director of Wilm U’s academic partnerships. 

Wilm U is well known for serving students nearly anywhere in their career paths, as it offers in-class education in classrooms in Delaware and southern New Jersey as well as online options. About 75% of students enrolled attend on a part-time basis and 73% are 25 years old or older, according to its website.

“There’s a crisis of sorts across the country about students losing credits that they’ve earned at community colleges or other institutions. Four year institutions just haven’t been designed to support transfers, they’re designed to support those who traditionally enroll after high school,” Rice told the Delaware Business Times. “We have a vision that allows for students to transfer credits, as well as accelerating their path.”

Scholarships are available to Harford Community College students who transfer within a year of receiving their associate degree. Those awards are designed so that transfer students can receive a course at no cost for every four courses completed.

The partnership with Harford Community College also opens access to those students to Wilm U’s Dual-Credit Advantage program, which allows them to stack select courses to more than one academic program to quickly relieve a bachelor’s degree along with a certificate or a master’s degree. Right now, the Dual-Credit Advantage program focuses on undergraduate courses that can be applied to master’s programs in digital arts, communications and business.

“We believe that meaningful partnerships like this allow students to benefit from the combined strengths of both institutions — expert faculty, dedicated staff, and advanced technology — which enriches their academic experiences and prepares them to thrive professionally,” Wilm U President Dr. LaVerne Harmon said in a prepared statement.  “We look forward to welcoming Harford students and supporting their continued growth.”